The end of the year is approaching at a furious pace! Exams are almost over, although there are other assessments still to be completed. Therefore children are expected to continue attending school on a daily basis.

       1.     MR. ROTTEVEEL’S RETIREMENT
We bid farewell to our dear Mr. Rotteveel at both prize-giving ceremonies as well as at our final assembly on the day the schools close. Thank you to all who have made a contribution to his gift from the children. Should you still wish to make a donation, no matter how small or big, please feel free to do so. Please ensure that your child brings home a receipt reflecting the amount that you have kindly given. Thank you so much.

       2.    END OF TERM ARRANGEMENTS
On the 7 December school will close at 12:30.

On the 9 December school will close at 11:00.

Pupils will receive their reports on the last day of school. Since it is Mr. Rotteveel’s last day I request that all children wear their school uniforms on the 9^th December - i.e. no civvies day.

 3.    AGM FINANCE
Thank you to all the parents who attended the AGM finance held on the 5^th November. At this meeting resolutions were signed by the parent body present. The most important resolution is that John Mitchell School remains a school in which fees must be paid. Parents agreed with this, as this is the ONLY way in which we can maintain and upgrade standards. Fees for 2012 were set as follows: 1^st child in the family R4200,00 per year (R420 X 10 months); the second sibling R3900,00 and the third and subsequent siblings R3600,00. There will be a 10% discount offered for fees paid in full by the 31^st March 2012. Parents, please, I appeal to you to commit yourself to your child’s future by making a good education possible for him / her. If every individual just pays their way, the accumulative effect is a pool of funds that can be utilised for the good of our children. Please bear in mind that once a child enrols at a high school, fees will escalate more than 100%. Therefore, I appeal to you to make a good primary school education possible for your child in order that he / she be expertly prepared for high school in the future. Thank you. 

       4.    PRIZE GIVING
The parents of children receiving awards will receive letters of invitation tomorrow (Friday 25^th November), to our two prize giving ceremonies. The Foundation Phase ceremony will take place on Wednesday evening 30^th November and the Senior prize-giving will take place on Thursday 1^st December. Photographs will be taken by an official photographer and sold at a cost of R10,00 each. Please do not arrange for personal photographers or have people coming to the front to take photos as this disrupts the event and inconveniences audience members.  Your co-operation will be sincerely appreciated.

 5.    STAGE PRODUCTION : “GET A LIFE!”
On Friday 2^nd December a stage production will take place during school hours. It carries a very important message about creating happiness for oneself and others. The cost is just R4,00 per learner and this must please be paid to the class teachers. A receipt will be issued. 

       6.    SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Our school is kept clean and cared for by 6 wonderful people who work extremely hard throughout the year. As a token of appreciation we would like to make up hampers of goods that they can use throughout the Christmas holidays and share with their families. In acknowledgement for all that our general workers do in our school, we would like to make this an annual gesture to them. Would you please be kind enough to send along an item such as toiletries, non-perishable food items, treats etc. to make this possible? All that is collected will be made up into beautiful Christmas hampers and will be given as a token of our sincere appreciation this Christmas time. Thank you.

 7.    TRANSFER CARDS FOR CHILDREN LEAVING
Should you still require a transfer card for your child (Grades 1 to 6, LSEN and Grade R) if he / she is moving to another school, the final day to request this is Monday 28 November. All grade seven learners who have passed will automatically receive their transfer cards with their reports on the last day of school. Should you have already requested a transfer card, but now have changed your decision and wish to keep your child in this school, the final day to withdraw your transfer request is Monday 28 November. Following this date, if you have requested a transfer card, or if your child passes grade 7 or is a senior  LSEN learner who is leaving, your child will be permanently removed from the school’s registers. You would then have to reapply for admission to the school should you want your child to return.

Our final newsletter of the year will be written within the next two weeks. It will detail staff changes and update staff news. Until then I appeal to each and every parent to ensure that your child still attends school, is well behaved and carries the name of John Mitchell with pride.

 Sincerely

 Mrs. J. Harmer

 Deputy Principal

NEWSLETTER 12/2011
24 October 2011

Dear Parents

1.    MR. ROTTEVEEL’S RETIREMENT

In a newsletter sent to parents last term I mentioned the retirement of Mr. Rotteveel. The year is speeding to a close and so we are planning to say our farewells to Mr. Rotteveel in numerous ways. Tribute will be paid to him via the Foundation Phase concert, final assembly will be a special one and an official farewell in terms of the GDE personnel is being planned. The school is also going to be giving Mr. Rotteveel a farewell gift and I would like to mention this to one and all. It would be sincerely appreciated if you are able to make a monetary contribution to this gift. Any amount will be greatly appreciated. All money collected will be given to Mr. Rotteveel in the form of a farewell cheque – something from his school as a thank you gesture for the many years of service he has given. This is by no means compulsory. Those who feel that they would like to contribute, could put any amount in an envelope and send it to school marked: Farewell Gift. This will be presented by the children at the final assembly of the year.

 2.    AGM FINANCE – SATURDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2011

This serves as another reminder of this very important meeting which will take place on the 5 November 2011 at 1pm. It is hoped that many parents will be able to attend. The meeting should end at approximately 2.30pm if we are able to begin promptly at 1pm.

 3.    FANCY DRESS DAY – FRIDAY 28 OCTOBER 2011

We are planning a “Fancy Dress” day this coming Friday for learners and staff alike! To enter the “Fancy Dress” we are requesting a R5,00 entry fee per child. There are prizes to be won for the “Best fancy dress costume”, the prizes being arranged by the School Development Team. This event does not need to incur additional costs – children should be as creative as possible, dressing up as a character, as an object, as anything in fact, all in the name of good fun and creativity, by using just that which is available at home. It is hoped that all children will participate (and teachers!) and that the day will yield much amusement. The R5,00 entry fee for those partaking should be paid to your child’s class teacher no later than Friday 28 October. Thank you.

 4.    SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHS AND OTHER ITEMS ORDERED

The school photographer will be delivering all photograph packages and items ordered by the end of this week. Thank you for your patience – the order was very big and therefore it has taken time to prepare.

 5.    TOP TEN – CHANGES IN ACCORDANCE WITH ACADEMIC STANDARDS

We are striving to improve our academic standards. After all, that is the business we are in! Every term “Top Ten” badges are awarded to the top learners in each grade. These are handed out at assembly and worn by the pupil for the duration of the next term. All results, that is of every test and exam written in the school are analysed, as well as children’s final reports. It has come to our attention that many children are not studying or performing as they should. The results obtained by many children are simply not of a high enough standard. We are trying to encourage children to better their standards – to improve their marks, and I am certain that you as parents are encouraging your children to do likewise.

 It was noted that quite a number of the “Top Ten” learners were being awarded a Top Ten badge as their average placed them in this category, but that even their overall average was only in the 50% to 60% range. This is simply not high enough in order to receive acclaim as an academic. On consultation with all involved it was decided that a “Top Ten” badge, which is, after all, an academic badge, will only be awarded to a learner in the Top Ten if he or she has attained an average of 70% and above. This, we feel, reflects a true academic and gives value to the award and greater honour to those wearing it. In other words, a “Top Ten” badge does not come cheaply and our children need to strive for higher standards in order to achieve this. Those who do wear one, can then truly do so with pride.

 6.    CLOTHING REQUIRED FOR OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

As a forerunner to regulations pertaining to 2012, please note the following. ALL children from Grade R to Grade 7 will be required to wear navy blue boxer shorts and a plain white T-shirt for athletics and Life Orientation lessons that involve physical training (PT). This has in fact always been the rule but it has been overlooked and now we have situations in which children are wearing totally inappropriate clothing for such activities, or trying to participate in uniform. Also, it does not look good for our school when there is no control on standards of uniformity. Therefore, just so that you know, this regulation will be in the homework diaries being printed for 2012 and also in the requirements lists for each grade next year. I feel that if you are aware of this at this point in time, you are given adequate time in order to shop and see to it that your child is correctly kitted out for school activities.

 7.    SCHOOL FEES

This serves as a sincere thank you to the parents who have made regular payments and have kept school fees up to date. The Governing Body’s sincere appreciation is extended, as it is only through this that this school can actually function. We have absolutely huge overhead costs, one example being an average monthly electricity and water bill of R48 000,00 which is payable in full from school funds. Therefore, to keep this school functioning we need each and every parent to pay their part to ensure collective responsibility. Therefore, to all who honour payments – a sincere thank you!

 This then, is also a reminder to all who still have to bring their school fees up-to-date by the end of October. You are all aware of the fact that our school fees are paid over a period of 10 months. Thus final payment should be made by the 31^st October. Please – an urgent appeal to all who owe school fees - kindly insure that all fees are paid in order for us to avoid the unpleasant task of having to hand over to debt collectors. Your positive response to this will be appreciated.

 8.    FOUNDATION PHASE CONCERT

We are all very excited for the concert coming up on Friday the 4 November! The Foundation Phase teachers and children have been working so hard for this. Only a few tickets are still available should you still wish to purchase them. No tickets will be available for sale on the evening at all due to such a high demand. Should you still wish to buy tickets please do so as a matter of urgency. Tickets cost R20,00 each. 

In closing I urge you all to assist your children with setting study times for the coming exams and to encourage them to give of their very best in order to uphold acceptable standards. Thank you.

Yours sincerely

 J. Harmer (Mrs.)

Deputy Principal

Dear Parents                                                                                              

1. Staff News

It gives me great pleasure to announce the birth of Mrs. Mncedane’s little baby boy. Both mum and baby are well and healthy. We also welcome Ms. Mehlomakulu to the staff who will teach in Mrs. Mncedane’s post until she returns next year.

In other staff news, John Mitchell has been host to student teachers from Wits University. We hope that they have learnt from the educators who have been mentoring them and wish them well in their teaching careers.

2. Anti Bullying Campaign

The school has identified the need for an anti bullying campaign as the number of incidents of bullying seems to be on the increase. In order for us to educate our learners we have organized a company to discuss this serious issue with our learners. This has been discussed in previous newsletters and this serves as a reminder that the show will be tomorrow and learners who have not yet paid their R10 must do so tomorrow.

3. Term News

It is that time of the year again when we say goodbye to yet another term. This term has been filled with numerous activities at John Mitchell and I would just like to highlight some of the activities our learners participated in:

3.1 Literacy Month

The month of September has been dedicated to Literacy and here at John Mitchell we have been encouraging our learners to participate in numerous activities. Foundation and InterSen Phase learners were selected to represent their school at cluster celebrations organized by the District Office. Our learners did their school proud and raised the bar in these celebrations. Learners’ work has been displayed in the hall so parents please feel free to peruse learners’ efforts.

3.2 GDE Mental Maths Exam

Numeracy has not been forgotten either and our Foundation Phase learners in grade 1 and 2 participated in a Mental Maths exam set by the Gauteng Department of Education. The top learners in the grades were: Keabetsoe Mohomane in grade 1S and Angela Ngona in grade 2P. Well done to these learners.

3.3 Grade 7 Career Day

The grade 7 learners participated in a national career day and our learners came dressed in the careers they hope to take up once they finish school. Learners decided to take up the challenge and came dressed in their future careers.                                                                                                                

3.4 Heritage Day

This was celebrated with gusto by both learners and staff. The School Development Team ran a competition for the best dressed in both phases. This was a particularly difficult decision to make but the overall winners were: Best Dressed in the Foundation Phase – Nompumelelo Mtetwa in        grade 1S; Best Dressed in the InterSen Phase – Lebo Moloi in grade 4B and finally for Attitude and Acting – Katlego Mogagabe in grade 4L

4. Enrolments

All new enrolments, Grade R to 7, for next year will close on the 30 September 2011 at 11:00am. Any parent who would like to enroll their child at the school must come to school before this. Parents can also contact Ms. Anderson on 011 618 3710 for further information regarding this.

5. Reports

All learners’ reports from grade R to grade 7 will be handed out next term on the 14 October 2011.

6. End of Term Arrangements

We have come to that time of the year already and it seems as if the days are flying by! School will close on the 30 September 2011 at 11:00am and re open on the 10 October 2011. We will have normal classes on Friday until 11:00am therefore learners must come to school with their school bags and books for that period of time.  Learners will not be wearing civvies on the last day of school.

On that note I wish you well over the holidays and hope that if you are travelling that it be a safe trip.

Mr. Rotteveel

Dear Parents

      Heritage Day
On Friday, 23rd of September 2011, John Mitchell School will be celebrating our beautiful country's heritage. Learners will be allowed to come to school in their cultural clothes or in their rugby shirts (green/gold) and jeans. This will cost R5 per learner who will be participating. The best dressed learner will receive a small prize from the School Development Team.

(No learner may come to school, dressed in civvies, if they do not pay their R5.)

 

Yours faithfully

Mr. R. Rotteveel
   Principal

Dear Parents

      1.    RETIREMENT OF MR. ROTTEVEEL
It is with a sense of great sadness for all of us, but great joy and accomplishment for Mr. Rotteveel, that I hereby officially announce that he will be retiring as of the 31^st December 2011 and therefore leaving John Mitchell School. Mr. Rotteveel has dedicated his life to education and has served firstly as a teacher, then as a Head of Department and finally as Principal of John Mitchell for a total of 44 years of unbroken service, almost 20 of which were here at this school. This is quite some achievement! Mr. Rotteveel is loved and respected by all who know him, not only here at John Mitchell, but in the wider sphere of our School District and the Education Department as a whole and thus he will be sorely missed. We are planning to celebrate this milestone in Mr. Rotteveel’s life during the 4^th term of this year and future newsletters will give more information of that which is planned. The position of principal will be advertised in a forthcoming Government Gazette in order that the new incumbent assume duty as from the 1^st January 2012. 

      2.    COMMITMENT  TO IMPROVING LEARNERS’ RESULTS
The prime reason any school exists is to educate the learners entrusted to it. Teachers will teach and all the necessary work will be provided. However, if we do not have learners committed to studying, learners with a sound work ethic and a desire to do their best and learners who complete their work, that is class and homework, we cannot hope for acceptable results. There is a major campaign under way at present to ensure that learners achieve higher averages in all learning areas, particularly in Literacy (English at this school) and Mathematics. This campaign is national – hence the external tests and exams that are set by the education department and which our children have to write. I therefore call upon parents as well, to support this campaign by ensuring that your children do their homework, read every day and study well. Exams begin on the 16 September for the Intersen phase of the school.

Furthermore I request that parents check up on the reliability of transport used to get children to school. On average we have 52 learners who arrive late for school every day. The majority of these miss the entire first period. Add that up and it is two and a half hours of learning time lost per week per late arrival. What is even more alarming is the fact that most of the children who arrive late each day walk to school! Please assist the school and in so doing, your child, by making certain he/she arrives at school on time. Quite a number of children who walk to school have been found loitering in shops and parks or even bunking school. Your co-operation will be appreciated.

      3.    ANTI-BULLYING CAMPAIGN
For some unknown reason the number of incidents of bullying taking place is on the increase. This is totally unacceptable and in order that we deal seriously with this matter we have sourced a company that presents a play and then holds a discussion session with the children. Topics to be discussed: why bullying is unacceptable in society as a whole and what can one do if one becomes the victim of a bully. I urgently request that every child be able to attend the production and discussion session. The cost is R10,00 per child. Please send this to your child’s class teacher as soon as possible. This will take place on 28 September 2011. 

      4.    CASUAL DAY – 2^ND SEPTEMBER
We have decided to allow the children to wear jeans, a T-shirt and tackies to school on Casual Day, Friday 2^nd September. As with civvies’ days, we are charging R5,00 per child who wishes to wear such casual clothes on that day. This is, however, not compulsory. Children will receive a ticket as proof of payment. Funds raised will be donated to The Association for the Physically Disabled. 

      5.    MONEY RAISED FOR MR. ERIC LUVHIMBI
I wish to thank all who contributed to a collection of money for the family of our late general worker, Mr. Eric Luvhimbi at the time of his passing. The total amount raised was R 1116,00. 

      6.    ENROLMENT 2012
Please note that the period available at all schools for registration for 2012 ends on the 30 September. This must be noted by parents of grade sevens as well, as you search for a high school for your child. Perhaps you may know of persons seeking space for Grade R learners. Here at our school we will be opening a second Grade R class next year and so with this decision we can announce that we have 30 more spaces available for Grade R. Please note that grade R fees are compulsory – R500,00 per month. 

      7.    SCHOOL FEES
Thank you to all who have responded to our many appeals to keep school fees up to date. John Mitchell School is a “Quintile 4” school (the official grading) and this means it is a fee-paying school. The government gives us a very small subsidy in comparison to no-fee (Quintile 1, 2 and 3) schools. The ONLY WAY we can keep going and try to keep our standards up is by parents keeping payments up to date. Please understand that we do not enjoy having to enlist debt collectors and to beg for fees to be paid. This is a good school and in comparison to neighbouring schools and high schools, our fees are very low. We are often requested, especially by high schools, to inform them whether particular children’s fees are up to date or not when application is made to them. Please don’t fall behind with payments as it is usually difficult to catch up.

As a point of interest just recently the mother of one of our grade 7 learners said to me, “I can’t believe that I have to pay R3000,00 per month for my child’s high school fees
(a normal government school) and here at John Mitchell I used to think R3900,00 for the year was a lot! I realise now what a bargain we are getting at John Mitchell.” Parents, please, I appeal to everyone to pay their “bit” as all put together, this results in our school being able to provide as much as we possibly can for our children. Thank you. 

      8.    FOUNDATION PHASE CONCERT
I am pleased to announce that on the 28^th October our Foundation Phase learners will stage a concert. More about this to come! 

      9.    SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHS
This year’s photographs have been taken and we are due to receive them very soon. When this happens, a letter will be sent to you along with an order form for you to complete and order various items with your child’s photo thereon, if you so wish.  

      10. CLOSURE
In closing, I hope and trust that your child is enjoying a rewarding year at school that he / she is learning that hard work pays off in life!  

Yours sincerely

J. Harmer (Mrs.)
Deputy Principal

1.    Dear Parents

Here we are...already more than half way through the year and into the third term! I hope that all associated with John Mitchell are well, happy and not too tired of the cold weather!

1.       Staff News

It gives me pleasure to welcome Mrs. Fitzsimons, our counsellor, back to school after her maternity leave. I also welcome Mr. Jack Vaughn, a student teacher from the United Kingdom, to our school. We thank him for spending a period of five weeks with us, giving voluntary service to John Mitchell School.

2.       Parents’ Evening

This serves as a final reminder that on Wednesday 27 July 2011, parents are invited to meet with teachers at our parents’ meeting for this term. The second term reports for the grade 4 to 7 learners will be handed to parents. The parents’ evening takes place between 5pm and 6.30pm. Thereafter, at 6.30pm, Mrs. Ganas (Formerly Miss Reddy) will address all parents (of children from Grade R to Grade 7) in the hall in connection with the school’s language policy to be implemented in 2012. It is hoped that many parents will be able to be present. We assure everyone that our classes will be kept warm!

3.       Long Weekend

National Women’s Day will be celebrated on the 9 August and will thus be a public holiday with school being closed. Monday the 8^th of August has been declared a school holiday. Therefore we have a long weekend to look forward to once again.

4.       School Fees

An URGENT appeal – please bring school fees up to date. We are fast approaching the end of the year and we really wish to avoid handing over outstanding accounts to debt collectors. This is a serious situation now, particularly for those leaving our school, as many prospective schools do enquire as to whether or not fees have been paid at the child’s previous school.

5.       Enrolment of learners for 2012

Enrolment procedures take place between 1 August and 30 September this year. We are already inundated with enquiries for space for next year. If you wish to enroll siblings, please do so on the 1^st August to avoid disappointment because once we are full, we are full! Enrolment is on a first come – first served basis. Learners’ names are placed on waiting lists in numerical order and therefore we cannot make exceptions or deviate from GDE regulations. Your understanding will be appreciated as we follow policy in accordance with Circular 5/2011.

6.       Yearly Update of Learner Information

Along with this newsletter you are receiving a VITALLY important document. It is absolutely imperative that this be filled in, in detail, by the parent / legal guardian of the child as it pertains to contact information for all learners in the school. We have to please have your updated details on this form, returned to school no later than Monday 1 August 2011. Thank you.

 
In conclusion I sincerely hope that this term is a fruitful and happy one for all.

Sincerely 

R. Rotteveel
   Principal

4.   Dear Parents

 STAFF NEWS

Following the resignation of one of our grade 3 teachers we endured a difficult time whilst we searched for a new teacher. I wish to thank Mrs. Mdukuzi and Mrs. Naicker for the admirable way in which they taught 3 classes, merged into 2, for quite a number of days in order that the children were not at a disadvantage. However, the good news now is that I can welcome Mrs. Mbane, the new Grade 3 teacher, to our school. Mrs. Mbane joined our staff last week and I sincerely hope that she will be very happy at John Mitchell and that she enjoys a long and rewarding career at this school. A special “Thank you” is extended to the many parents who supported the school positively whilst we were minus a grade 3 teacher, who wrote letters of support, who came to school to thank us for the interim arrangements made and especially all those who came together in appreciation for us having “found” a new teacher. Your kindness, positive comments and support were greatly appreciated.

We all congratulate Miss Reddy – now Mrs. Ganas - and her husband on their marriage which took place this past Saturday in Durban. We wish them only life’s greatest joys as they set off on this new path together. More congratulations go the way of Miss Molotsi who just recently became engaged! We wish her and her fiancé a wonderful future together. These are indeed exciting times for a number of staff members at John Mitchell!

I also welcome Mr. Pengelly to our staff. He is with us just until the end of the term fulfilling university criteria and I thank him for the contribution he is making to our school, assisting in many areas and across all phases of the school.

2.     EXAMS

Our learners from grade 4 to 7 are currently writing June exams, as you are all aware. Please ensure that your children study in accordance with the timetable sent home some time ago. We have sadly encountered a few children who have resorted to cheating in their exams. Please ensure that your child is well prepared to write his / her exams and that he / she understands the implications of cheating and that it is indeed more acceptable to fail than to cheat. The moral side of cheating and the future impact this may have, needs to be brought home to them. 

It is vital that parents understand that when enrolling children in a high school, grade 6 and 7 reports are requested by the high school. The pupils’ academic performance is thus clearly evident. Furthermore, our children are given a number of opportunities to apply for high school bursaries, but the awarding of these by various companies and organizations is based primarily on academic performance. Right from the start, from Grade R, your child needs to develop a positive work ethic which should lead to sound academic achievement – one cannot wait for grade 7 to instil this in one’s child. It should begin from the moment a child starts school and possibly even before that. 

3.     END OF TERM ARRANGEMENTS AND THIRD TERM PARENTS’ EVENING

On Friday 24 June school closes for the winter vacation and reopens on the 18 July. The learners in the Foundation Phase and the LSEN class will receive their reports on this day. Reports for children in the Intersen Phase will be handed out at the parents’ meeting scheduled for Wednesday 27 July, beginning at 17:00. Parents of children in all grades are invited to attend this parents’ evening on the 27 July as it is an opportunity to meet with your child’s class teacher and to view your child’s work. We encourage all parents to attend this. 

4.     PUBLIC HOLIDAY

This coming Thursday 16^th June is Youth Day and so we enjoy another important public holiday. Friday the 17^th has been declared a school holiday and so we have a long weekend to look forward to. 

5.     READATHON

In celebration of Youth Day our City Year Service Leaders are running a Readathon after the final exam is written on Wednesday. All learners in grades 4 to 7 will participate in this whilst the Foundation Phase will continue with their normal programme. All grade 4 to 7 learners are requested to bring one bottle top (the plastic kind) with them to school. Please also ensure that your child is in possession of a reader, such as one they may have borrowed from a library. The aim is to promote literacy which in turn leads to a good education and thus a brighter future for our youth. 

 6.    CIVVIES DAY

Children may wear civvies to school on break-up day (24 June) at a cost of R5,00 per child. This must be paid to the class teacher and a ticket will be issued as proof of payment. 

7.     SCHOOL FEES

Statements have also just been sent out. Please, please ensure that you are fulfilling your obligation as a parent by paying your child’s school fees. Our school will simply not run if fees are not paid as we are a Quintile 4 status school (one in which the government gives a minimum amount of financial aid) – we are NOT a no-fee school. Every person’s contribution will enable our school to maintain standards and do the best we possibly can for your children’s education. 

In closing, I wish you all a wonderful mid-year vacation. I trust and hope that all our children will return safely to school on the 18 July, rested and ready to face the third term.

Yours faithfully

 R. Rotteveel
   Principal

4.   Dear Parents

 

STAFF NEWS

It gives me great pleasure to inform one and all of the fact that tomorrow, 21^st April, is Mr. Rotteveel’s 65^th birthday! We all wish him well as he reaches this very important milestone in his life. Congratulations, Mr. Rotteveel, may the years ahead bring you good health and much happiness. Mr. Rotteveel’s retirement is thus approaching, however we are hoping that he will remain at John Mitchell until the end of the year. More about this in forthcoming newsletters.

On a different note, I regret having to announce that Mrs. Mkhize will be leaving John Mitchell School at the end of this month as she relocates to Kwa Zulu Natal. Mrs. Mkhize has served John Mitchell well for a number of years and we shall all miss her. We wish her and her children success, good health and much happiness as they begin a new chapter in their lives.

PARENTS’ EVENING

This is a final reminder of tonight’s parents’ evening which starts at 17:00. There will be a general meeting in the hall at 18:30.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

This newsletter serves to inform you that all schools have been given permission to close by the CEO of the Department of Education on the 28^th and 29^th April. These two days were originally school days and we had planned to open school here at John Mitchell, but will now no longer do so as we would be practically the only school open in this area and this poses many transport problems.

Therefore school will close tomorrow, the 21^st April and only reopen on Tuesday 3^rd May. This is a mighty long “long weekend”! Therefore once school reopens on the 3^rd, please ensure that your children attend school regularly as the term will be so short and from the 10^th to the 15^th June exams will be written in the Intersen phase. Therefore much learning has to take place in a limited space of time.

CLOSURE

In closing I wish all families celebrating Easter a blessed, peaceful holiday. To those travelling, please do so carefully and return rested and ready for more hard work.

Sincerely
 

J. Harmer (Mrs.)
Deputy Principal

      NEWSLETTER 4/2011
12 April 2011

Dear Parents

Welcome to the second term of 2011. I sincerely hope that it will be yet another successful one. It is certainly going to pass very, very quickly as there are only 47 school days in this term! We have so very much to do in this short space of time – teaching, assessment, netball, soccer, City Year Programme, parents evening - just so, so much! I have to ask that in order to get through this hectic term you do all that you can, please, from your side, to ensure that your children attend school regularly, do their homework and above all, be self-disciplined. 

1. STAFF NEWS

It is with great sadness that I inform you all of the death of Mr. Eric Luvhimbi, one of the general workers in our school, during the recent holidays. Eric was an honest, devoted worker who served John Mitchell very well for 9 years. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved “Uncle Eric”. Our deepest sympathy is extended to his wife and children. As a gesture to assist Eric’s wife, I take the liberty of requesting that we make a collection to help the family. Anyone who wishes to contribute even as little as R1,00, will make a difference to this family. This is purely a voluntary contribution. Whatever is collected will be sincerely appreciated and sent to his family.  

On a much happier note, it gives me great pleasure to inform you all that Miss Keele was recently married and is now Mrs. Mncedane. We wish her and her husband a wonderful, happy future together. Congratulations! More good news is that Mrs. Fitzsimons, our school counsellor, gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Julia Grace, during the recent holidays. Our best wishes to her and her husband too. We wish them great joy with their new arrival.  

2. PARENTS’ EVENING

Parents’ evening will be held on Wednesday 20^th April 2011 from 5pm until 6.30pm. Pleased do not get confused – it was originally Thursday the 21^st, but this is the start of the long weekend and so we felt it best to move it one day forward. There will be a short general meeting in the hall from 6.30pm until 7.00pm for all parents once you have seen the class teachers. 

First term reports for all learners in the intersen phase will be handed out by the class teachers between 5 and 6.30pm. Parents of children in all grades will be able to use this opportunity to meet with your child’s teacher, have a brief discussion with him or her and view your child’s books. We hope that you will make an effort to attend this evening. 

3. PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

All public schools will be closed on 22, 25, 26 and 27 April and then again on the 2^nd and 18^th May. Enjoy the long weekends!  

4. WINTER UNIFORM

Please take note of the regulations pertaining to our winter uniform as laid down in the homework diary. Please do not send children to school in brightly coloured casual jackets etc. Our uniform is blue and our policy regarding uniform is in place. Kindly adhere to the regulations and encourage your child to wear the uniform neatly and with a sense of pride. 

5. SCHOOL FEES
   
   Thank you to all who are up to date with payments. To those who are behind, please make every effort to catch up and avoid the issue of debt collectors at the end of the year. By doing so, you will spare the school the cost of the debt collector’s fees. In anticipation of your support – thank you. 
   
   The finance secretary is experiencing huge problems when parents pay money into the school account but do not indicate who it is from! PLEASE write the school account number as your reference on the deposit slip at the bank and then fax or send this slip to the school. The reference number can be found upon your school fee statement. This number ALWAYS begins with a 3. It is then followed by the first four letters of the child’s surname and then the remaining numbers, e.g. 3MOTS001. Please remember to always write this reference number so that your school fee account can be properly credited. Thank you. 

In conclusion I wish one and all a happy, rewarding term 2!

7.   

Yours faithfully

 R. Rotteveel
  Principal

NEWSLETTER 3/2011
22 March 2011

Dear Parents

The term is rapidly drawing to a close! Below are just a few notices:

1.   1. STAFF NEWS
It gives me great pleasure to wish Miss Keele and her future husband, all the very best as they get married on Saturday, 26 March. Our best wishes also go to Mrs. Fitzsimons, our school counsellor, who left last week on maternity leave. Mrs. Ramlall returned at the beginning of March from her maternity leave and so we wish her well too.  

 2.    2. END OF TERM ARRANGEMENTS
School closes for the holidays on Friday, 25 March 2011 at 11:00. Learners, who would like to wear civvies to school on this day may do so by paying R5,00 each. The money collected will go towards fundraising for our school.

3.     3. PARENTS' EVENING AND TERM 1 REPORTS
On Thursday, 21st April, our parents' evening  will take place, beginning at 5 o' clock. Reports for all Grade 4, 5, 6 and 7 learners will be given out on this evening. We request that parents collect the reports personally. The Grade 1, 2, 3 and LSEN class reports will be handed out this coming Thursday, 24th March, at the end of the school day. Please ensure that you ask your child for the report as it will be in his / her possession. We request that all parents, throughout all grades ion the school, make use of the parents' evening as an opportunity for meeting your child's teachers and finding out about progress made.

4.     4. SCHOOL FEES
Please keep school fees up to date. Thank you to those who do this! I need to remind all parents that this is a Quintile 4 school. This was decided in a vote taken by parents some 3 years ago. This means that we are self-supporting to a very large degree as we do not get anywhere near the same financial support from the government as Quintile 1, 2 and 3 schools do. The latter (Quintile 1, 2 and 3 schools) are no-fee schools where parents do not have to pay school fees. But John Mitchell is not like this - this is a fee-paying school - one in which all parents are expected to play their part in paying school fees. It is the only way in which this school can continue to function. Please take responsibility for your child's future by taking ownership for his / her education. Again, a sincere thank you to those who keep this school financially afloat and a serious appeal to all who are in arrears to kindly make payment arrangements with the financial secretary. Thank you.

5.     5. STATIONERY REQUIREMENTS
Please ensure that your child come to school properly equipped to work. Each individual should have the necessary pens, pencils, glue, etc. It is not at all fair for learners to borrow from others as this incurs costs for the parents of those other learners. Furthermore, your child gets behind if he / she does not have all that is needed to keep pace as the work is being done. All items should be labelled with the child's name. This applies to items of clothing too.

6.     6. CLOSING
In closing I wish you all a wonderful vacation. Please return to school on the 11th of April, safe and well-rested.

7.   

Yours faithfully

 R. Rotteveel
  Principal

Dear Parents

1.    AGM – FINAL REMINDER
This serves as a final reminder of our Annual General Meeting to be held in the school hall on  

SATURDAY 12 FEBRUARY at 13:00

2.    EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Many parents have not filled in the front page of their child’s diary completely! Please understand that this involves the safety and well-being of your child! Every single detail needs to be filled in on this page as should there be an emergency, the school would need to contact you or an alternative person. The front page details are the most updated ones. Yes, we do have details in the office however we frequently find that parents do not update these details and then cannot be contacted. Furthermore the diary is always with the child and so in the event of an accident or something serious happening out of school hours, someone can be contacted. It is vital that not only cell numbers are given, work numbers must be given too as during the day most people are not at home. Please comply with this request – it is in the best interest of your child.  

3.    VALENTINE’S DAY
The school will be celebrating Valentine’s Day early this year due to the interschool sports being held on the 14^th February. We would like to have all learners participating in this event and have therefore decided to hold it on Friday the 11^th February instead. Learners can come to school wearing something in red and blue jeans. The cost of this will be R5 which is paid to the class teacher. There will also be two hampers raffled for Valentine’s Day. The price of a ticket for the raffle is R2.   

4.    WORKBOOKS SUPPLIED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
You will by now know that children have received workbooks from the Department of Education. This has also been widely discussed in the media. Please note that these workbooks are supplied free to your child but should they be lost or damaged you will be liable for the replacement cost. (Approximately R150,00 per book). Should your child leave John Mitchell School the workbook is sent with your child to his/her new school. This is a national initiative. Therefore please ensure that these workbooks are looked after and kept neat, clean and tidy. 

5.    PAYMENT FOR DIARIES
There are still some parents who have not sent the R10,00 payment for the diary supplied to all learners (except the grade ones and twos) when school opened. Grade 7 learners had to pay R20,00 as they were also supplied with a file. Please finalise these payments if you have not already done so. To those who have, thank you. 

6.    ON-CUE THEATRE
On Friday the 18^th February “On-Cue Theatre” will be visiting our school staging a wonderful production. The cost is R10,00 per child. Please send this amount to your child’s class teacher as soon as possible. 

7.    NEW COMPUTER CENTRE
I am very proud to announce that our computer centre has been completely upgraded and is once again fully functional. Every child in this school thus benefits by receiving tuition in this wonderful environment under the guidance of Mr. Rogers.

8.    INTER-SCHOOL SPORTS
On Monday 14^th February John Mitchell School will host this year’s Inter-School Athletics meeting at Johannesburg Athletic’s Stadium. Eight schools will be taking part. We wish our athletes well and say a huge “Thank you” to the teachers who are spending many hours training them and organising this event. All athletes’ parents have been informed that their children are participating. Indemnity forms will be sent home with all athletes next week. It will be a normal school day for all children in grades R, 1 to 6 and the LSEN class who are not athletes. The grade 7 learners will attend the sports as spectators. Transport has been arranged for the grade 7s to and from the stadium.
 

Yours faithfully

 R. Rotteveel
  Principal

Dear Parents

WELCOME

It is with great joy that I welcome one and all to this new school year – the final one in my teaching career! Together with my staff, I wish you all the very best and hope and trust that this will be a fulfilling and rewarding year for everyone associated with this fine school.

I welcome all staff members back to school and wish them good health and success in all that they do for the children and for this school in general, during the course of 2011.

DISCIPLINE

Consistent, fair, kind and assertive discipline from home and school will ensure your child’s success. I appeal to all parents to support your children in this way, to establish a routine for homework and study right from the word go and to encourage and guide them in behaving in a socially acceptable manner at all times. Please continue to teach them to respect the rights and possessions of others and the necessity for self control. An appeal right from the beginning in terms of respecting the possessions of others, is to ensure that your child’s belongings are labelled and that should your child arrive home with something that does not belong to him or her, that you return it to the school immediately. This will alleviate much frustration and upset.

MONEY MATTERS

·         SCHOOL FEES

School fees this year are R3900,00 per child. A second sibling’s fees will be R3600,00 and a third and subsequent siblings will be R3300,00 each. There will be a 10% discount if paid in full by the end of March 2011. School fees are payable in 10 monthly instalments and I appeal, as seriously as one can possibly appeal, to each and every parent to please, please make their contribution to their child’s education by honouring this commitment. Parents, it is only through having enough funds in this school that we can keep this institution running effectively, keeping class numbers at acceptable levels and maintaining the standards that we have built up in the past. I thank you, sincerely, in anticipation of your positive response to this heartfelt request in the interests of each and every learner.

 The school’s banking details are as follows: ACCOUNT NAME: John Mitchell School

      BANK: First National Bank

                                                                              BRANCH: Eastgate

                                                                              BRANCH CODE: 257705

                                                                              ACCOUNT NO.: 62007385140

After making a deposit, kindly fax a copy of the deposit slip to 011 614 5585. Please ensure that the learner’s name and class appear on the slip. Thank you! 

·         OTHER MONEY COLLECTED

From time to time you will receive a notification of the necessity to pay a small amount for your child to, for example, attend a show brought to school, go on an educational day trip, or purchase something etc. Please note that you are ONLY to send money to a class teacher for anything in addition to school fees, if you receive a letter signed by the principal or deputy principal. Do not send money to school for any other reason. Requests for such payment will ALWAYS be accompanied by a letter. The school has a tuckshop – it is your decision whether you provide your child with tuck money each day. Should your child lose or damage school property – e.g. a badge worn by prefects, monitors etc., books, readers, or break a window and so forth, this will have to be replaced at your expense. You will receive a letter to this effect. 

·         HOMEWORK DIARIES

All children from grade 3 to grade 7 and those in the LSEN class are to have a John Mitchell homework diary. Each diary costs R10,00. This is below the price paid for the diary – the school is covering the difference in price. However, should your child lose his/her diary, a replacement one costs R20,00. Thus, if your child is in Grade 3 to 7 or the LSEN class, please send R10,00 to the class teacher during the course of this week. 

·         FILES FOR GRADE 7 LEARNERS

Each grade 7 learner will be provided with a file for English. These cost R10,00 each. Kindly send this amount to the class teacher this week as well. Thus grade 7 learners are to pay R20,00 each (R10 for the diary and R10 for the file). 

CLOSURE

In closing, I wish you all a successful, happy year. Should you have any problems, queries or compliments that you wish to bring to our attention, kindly do so firstly through your child’s teacher, then the grade leader, SMT (School Management Team), Deputy Principal or Principal.

Yours sincerely

R. Rotteveel
  Principal

NEWSLETTER 15/2010
22 November 2010

Dear Parents

As the year draws rapidly to a close, the following matters need to be brought to your attention. Where applicable, I request your co-operation and attention to all matters pertaining to you.

AGM FINANCE

Thank you to all who attended this vitally important meeting on the 6^th November. At this meeting resolutions were taken in connection with the school’s finances. Please note the following:

·         John Mitchell School remains a quintile 4 status which means that it is a FEE PAYING school. Parents at the meeting agreed to accept this. Therefore school fees in 2011 have to be paid. There are other schools in the area which are no-fee schools to accommodate those who are not able to pay the fees.

·         The school fees for 2011 are: R3900,00 per child (1^st child in the family); R3600,00 (second child – MUST be a sibling – not cousin or other relative); R3300,00 for the third and subsequent children. A discount of 10% will be given to all who pay the fees in full by the 31^st March 2011. The fees are payable over a 10 month period and must therefore be paid in full by the 31^st October 2011.

SCHOOL FEES

Please note that school fees were due, payment in full, by the 31^st October. Kindly bring all payments and arrears amounts up to date. A sincere thank you to all who have honoured their commitment in this regard.

ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL

Please note that school will close on Friday 10 December 2010 at 11am. Reports will only be handed out on this day – not before – to every child in the school. Children are to attend every day, right up until the last school day. Do not believe your children if they tell you anything different! School will close at the normal time every day, except for Wednesday the 8^th December, when it will close at 12:00, and of course Friday 10^th December at 11:00.

PRIZE GIVING

Only once the exams have been completed and marked, will letters be sent to the parents of all children receiving awards this year. The Foundation Phase prize giving will take place on Wednesday 1^st December and the Intersen Phase on Thursday 2^nd December.

BEHAVIOUR OF LEARNERS

For some inexplicable reason the behaviour of the learners has, in general, deteriorated at this point in the year! This is unacceptable! On a daily basis we are dealing with learners who are fighting, stealing, (this has intensified to alarming proportions!) being exceedingly rude, aggressive, disrespectful to teachers and generally behaving in an unacceptable manner that disrupts the learning process. Please, PLEASE, discuss matters pertaining to acceptable behaviour with your children. The children we see before us each and every day are products of their homes and display conduct learnt and taught at home. I am certain that you all expect your children to behave in accordance with the rules of the school and society in general, and yet many children come to school and let you, as parents, down severely. We have decided to refer all matters pertaining to theft directly to the “Adopt-a-Cop” system at Jeppe Police Station as a result of incidents of theft reaching such alarming proportions. The parents of learners who do not behave as they should will, in extreme circumstances, be requested to accompany their children to school, to sit with them and thus ensure that they behave each and every day.

BEHAVIOUR OUTSIDE OF THE SCHOOL GROUNDS

Many children disobey the scholar patrol and disregard all rules that responsible pedestrians should follow. This, parents, impacts on the very life of your child.  Children walk in the middle of the busy road and then are rude to those who tell them to move to the pavement! They loiter on the streets, littering and behaving so poorly after school it is embarrassing that they are wearing this school’s uniform when this happens. They are not allowed to buy from vendors on the school’s pavement as we have had numerous incidents of children getting ill from having eaten the food the vendors sell. Furthermore, they litter in the vicinity of the vendor. This kind of behaviour is simply disgraceful. Surely children should know to protect and respect their environment?  Please note that Foundation Phase learners, in particular, should be fetched each day and not left to walk home unaccompanied. Children are to remain INSIDE the school grounds at the end of each day until they see their transport arrive or the person who walks them home. Once they leave the school grounds they are to go straight home – not wait on the pavements behaving poorly! Please teach your child the rules of acceptable conduct out on the streets.

ITEMS THAT DO NOT BELONG TO YOUR CHILDREN

Should your child bring home some item which you know does not belong to your child – PLEASE RETURN IT TO SCHOOL! Responsible parents will not allow their child to keep something that does not belong to them! Check your child’s bag each and every day – take note if your child has homework, has strange or dangerous objects in his / her bag such as fire crackers and knives, or has items not belonging to him or her. Take note every single day! Your child will soon learn that he / she can’t get away with dishonest behaviour if you are a consistently strict parent.

NEW ATTENDANCE POLICY

A new, national attendance policy from Government has been unveiled and will come into effect on the 1^st January 2011. This applies to each and every child in every school in the country. It has far-reaching effects, the most serious of which is the fact that if your child misses 5 days of school in a row and you have not given the school a written explanation for this absenteeism, your child will be removed from the school registers and not allowed to return to the school unless you reapply for his / her position. However, your child will then be at the bottom of the waiting list. Furthermore, a written note (not just a phone call) of explanation is expected each and every time a child is absent, even if only for one day. John Mitchell School will comply with this legislation and enforce it in accordance with policy.

CIVVIES’ DAY

On Friday 10^th December children may wear casual clothes to school and donate R5,00 in order to do so. Please note that this is not compulsory – children may wear uniform if you so wish.

CLOSURE

In closing I wish you all a wonderful, safe and happy festive season. May those celebrating Christmas find peace and joy in the true meaning of this special time. I wish the grade 7 learners and all those leaving for other schools all the very best for the future. Please go out into the world, holding the name of this school in high regard.

I extend appreciation to my staff and the School Governing Body for the sterling work done this year – your efforts are truly appreciated – thank you one and all!

School reopens for learners on Wednesday 12 January 2011.

Yours faithfully

R. Rotteveel
  Principal

Dear Parents

SCHOOL REPORTS
This serves as a reminder that the third term reports will be sent home on Thursday 14 October. 

PLANETARIUM VISIT
An URGENT  REMINDER! Please send the R15,00 to cover the cost of each child’s entry into the mobile planetarium that will be brought to our school. This is a part of the Natural Science work schedule for the year and it is in the learners’ best interests to be a part of this learning session.

SCHOOL PHOTOS
These will be taken tomorrow, 13 October. We are utilising the services of a different company this year and therefore the procedure is different too. Every child in the school will have his / her photograph taken. Thereafter, in a few days’ time, you will receive an envelope with a tiny copy of the photo that was taken thereon. You will also find the various packages on offer printed on the envelope. You will simply choose that which you would like with your child’s photograph thereon. You will tick the correct box, place the EXACT amount of money in the envelope (NO CHANGE WILL BE GIVEN), you will return it to school, we shall pass it on to the company and then after approximately two weeks you will receive whatever you have ordered.

PRIZE GIVING
This year’s prize-giving will be held over two evenings. The Foundation Phase (Grade R, 1, 2 and 3) and LSEN will take place on Wednesday 1^st December @ 18:00 and the Intersen Phase (Grade 4 to 7) will take place on Thursday 2^nd December @ 18:00. Parents of those receiving awards will be notified closer to the time.
 

Yours faithfully

R. Rotteveel
Principal

Dear Parents

We have come to the end of a particularly challenging term. I wish to thank the staff for their commitment to this school, its learners and to education in general during the period of strike action. The staff’s viewpoint regarding the strike and in relation to the conditions of service of all educators remains as stated in Newsletter 11. Those children who continued to attend school throughout this  period have indeed benefitted from the tuition they received. It is fully understood that many learners did not have transport during the strike, but to those who continued to attend school, it was certainly to your advantage.

STAFF NEWS
I regret having to inform everyone that Mrs. Thabethe was injured in a serious taxi accident. Due to her injuries she will be absent from school until the 1^st November. We wish her a speedy recovery. In her absence I am very pleased to welcome Mrs. Nkwate who will be teaching her class until her return. I hope that Mrs. Nkwate enjoys her time at John Mitchell. Congratulations are extended to Miss Nyota who recently gave birth to a wonderful baby boy! In her place is Mrs. Mahlangu, whom I also wish well during her time with us.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE END OF TERM
On Thursday 23^rd September school will close at 11:00. We reopen on Monday 4^th October. Thursday is a NORMAL SCHOOL DAY. There will be NO civvies. Lessons will be as usual – thus normal teaching will take place up to 11am, that is, for the first 6 periods. Children are to therefore bring their books as usual for these periods.

THIRD TERM REPORTS
These will be handed out on the 14 October as assessment tasks are being carried out right until the last day of this term. In cases where learners are not meeting the requirements to be promoted to the next grade, parents will be requested to come to school for an interview if you have not already done so.

SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHS
These will be taken on the 13^th October. A separate newsletter will follow in connection with this.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING FINANCE
This very important meeting is scheduled for Saturday 6^th November 2010 @ 13:00. Please diarise this date.

SCIENCE EXPO : THE PLANETARIUM COMES TO JOHN MITCHELL!
A very special event is planned for our learners from grade R to grade 7. An educational company will be constructing a huge domed tent which will recreate a planetarium right here in our school hall! It accommodates 100 children at a time. The learners will enter the dome and be taught about our wonderful universe and in so doing, have outer space recreated! The presenters will address the children according to their grade levels in order that each child gains maximum benefit from the presentation. The cost is R15,00 per child. Only those who pay will be allowed to attend as the company charges the school per learner. This event will take place on Friday 22^nd October. The R15 must please be paid to class teachers by Monday 18^th October at the latest.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, I wish you all a pleasant, though short break. I look forward to the final term of the year in which we focus all our energies on our children’s academic performance. I request that as parents, you support your children by ensuring that they do their homework, that you sign their diaries, that they study for tests and exams and that you constantly speak to them about and set an example of good self- discipline, morals and manners.

Working as one – that is the school and home together – will ensure that children grow up to be solid citizens and those who go forward making a good contribution to this country in which we live.

Yours faithfully

R. Rotteveel
Principal

Welcome back to school! Term three is here, the World Cup is sadly a thing of the past and so ... it’s back to normal! I sincerely hope that this term will yield happiness and success for all.

1.    Staff News
We congratulate Miss Govinden – now Mrs. Govinden Essop - on her marriage during the course of the holidays! We wish her and her husband a wonderful future with only life’s very best coming their way. We welcome Mrs. Mahlangu, the wife of our grade 6 teacher, Mr. Mahlangu, to the staff. We wish her a successful and a rewarding career at John Mitchell School.

 Change in school times
As from Monday 2^nd August, school will close 10 minutes later, every day. This is due to the fact that at present our lunch breaks are only 10 minutes long and this is not enough time for the children to eat, play, visit the cloakroom and line up promptly in order that we do not waste teaching time. Therefore the times will be as follows:

·        Grade 1 & 2           Monday to Thursday              07:40 to 12:50

Friday                                      07:40 to 13:20

·        Grade 3 & LSEN   Monday                                  07:40 to 13:50

Tuesday to Friday                  07:40 to 13:20

·        Grade 4 to 7           Monday to Friday                   07:40 to 13:50

First break: 09:40 to 10:00                               Second break: 12:00 to 12:20

3.    Parents’ Evening
On Wednesday 21^st July all teachers will be available in their classrooms between 4pm and 6pm in order to hand out reports and discuss your children’s progress. Please make every effort to avail yourself of this opportunity. Please note that this session ends at 6pm, not later, as requested by parents who have transport difficulties.

4.    Learner attendance at the end of last term
Towards the end of last term there was a significant increase in pupil absenteeism. It came to our attention that some parents simply allowed their children to stay at home as the children had informed them that “the work was finished” and that they therefore need not come to school! This is unacceptable. In fact, in numerous classes, assessment activities which count for term 3 were even conducted. Those who were absent have missed out on much work. In future, I appeal to all parents, abide by the law and send your children to school right until the end of every term. Please remember too, that a letter written by the parent or legal guardian only, must be sent to the class teacher on the very day that the child returns to school after a period of absenteeism.

5.    School Concert
A sincere thank you is extended to all who supported our recent concert. It was enjoyed by all and a tremendous success. As soon as all expenses have been taken into account we shall inform you of the success it was from a fund-raising perspective too. Appreciation is also extended to every person who worked really hard in order to put it all together. Special mention must be made of Miss Reddy whose organization and initiative it was to hold this concert. Well done and thank you!

6.    Enrolment for 2011 – new learners
We are, in accordance with policy, following Circular 21 from the Department of Education which deals with enrolment for 2011. This dictates that parents or legal guardians (only) may with immediate effect make application at schools for the 2011 academic year. However, such application is not a guarantee that a child is automatically accepted. It is an application to be placed on the waiting list and you will be given a number to ensure priority of acceptance. Then towards the end of October, successful applicants will be telephoned and requested to come to the school to complete all registration procedures.

 Enrolment for 2011 – existing learners
A form was sent out during the course of this week requesting that parents inform the school whether or not your children will be leaving or remaining in John Mitchell School next year. It is vital that these forms are returned no later than Monday 19 July as spaces are given to new learners should there be some who leave. Should we not receive your response it will be assumed that your child will be leaving the school and his / her position will be given to a newcomer. Your co-operation will be appreciated.

8.    City Year Programme
The programme continues this term with children in grades 4 to 7  having the opportunity to stay after school, complete their homework and partake in educationally worthwhile activities each afternoon, Monday to Thursday. Twelve service leaders, divided into the various grades are here at school, looking after the children and running the ASP (After School Programme). There is space for more to join the programme – so please consider allowing your child to join as well.

9.    Holiday Programme
Thank you to all who allowed their children to take part in the Joseph Project Holiday Programme during this recent holiday. It was a wonderful success and I have only received positive reports about it. Thank you, therefore, to all volunteers from the Joseph Project who gave selflessly of their time and talent to make this such an enjoyable experience for the children.

In closing, I wish one and all a very happy term! May spring soon be here and the cold be a thing of the past!

Yours faithfully

 R. Rotteveel
    Principal

Welcome to the second term of 2010. I sincerely hope that it will be yet another successful one. It is certainly going to pass very, very quickly as there are only 41 school days in this term! By the time you get this – only 36! We have so very much to do in this short space of time – teaching, assessment, netball, soccer, City Year Programme, parents’ afternoons and meetings, our Intersen phase concert – yes, just so, so much. Coupled with this we all sense the atmosphere as the excitement of the World Cup drawing near reaches fever pitch. I have to ask that in order to get through this hectic term you do all you can, please, from your side, to ensure that your children attend school regularly, do their homework and above all, be self-disciplined.

            1.      STAFF NEWS

It gives me great pleasure to inform you all that Miss Reddy, one of our Intersen HODs, became engaged recently! We wish her and her fiancé a wonderful, happy future together. Congratulations, Miss Reddy! More good news is that Ms Anderson, one of our secretaries gave birth to a beautiful baby girl on Wednesday 14 April. Our best wishes go to Ms Anderson! Miss Ireland, our counsellor, has returned to school this term with a new surname! She is now Mrs. Fitzsimons and our congratulations go to her and her husband on their marriage which took place recently. We wish them a bright and wonderful future. Congratulations to Mrs. Naicker who has just completed and been awarded a Master’s Degree in Education! This is a superb achievement.

It gives me great pleasure to welcome our new LSEN Class educator, Mrs. C. Maraschin, to our school. I hope that she will enjoy being part of the John Mitchell team and be very happy here.

 2.      SENIOR PHASE CONCERT

I am pleased to announce that there will be an Intersen Phase concert (Grade 4 to 7) to be staged on the 3^rd and 4^th June! Parents, this will be a wonderful opportunity to see your children enjoying themselves on stage! This, in itself, is a learning experience for the children and we need each and EVERY child to participate. This is essential, as the success of a concert depends on commitment and full participation. Please ensure that your child plays his / her part in this.  

The concert will be staged on two evenings. The children will have to be present, therefore on both evenings, as already stated the 3^rd and 4^th June. Tickets will be on sale from Tuesday 20^th April at the office. As seating is limited, please understand that it will have to be a case of “first come, first served”. Tickets will cost R20 per person, adults and children. Only babies and toddlers may sit on laps. Older children need to have tickets of their own. The children who participate will of course not be in the audience as they will be with their classmates as they perform or wait in the classrooms. When sending money to buy your tickets, please be VERY certain to make it clear as to which night you will be attending. Tickets will be a different colour for each night and one can only attend on the specific night for which you have bought tickets. A lot of hard work is going into this event, so please support John Mitchell in this endeavour. Thank you.

3.      PARENTS’ EVENING

Parents’ evening will be held on Thursday 22 April 2010 from 5pm until 7pm. There will be a short general meeting in the hall from 7pm until 7.30pm.

 A special meeting will take place for the parents of grade 5 learners only at 6pm. The parents of grade 5’s are especially asked and encourage to please, please attend this grade 5 meeting as there are serious and important matters pertaining to this grade 5 group that have to be discussed.

 First term reports for all learners in the Intersen phase will be handed out by the class teachers between 5pm and 7pm. Parents of children in all grades will be able to use this opportunity to meet with your child’s teacher, have a brief discussion with him or her and view your child’s books. We hope that you will make an effort to attend this evening.

            4.      CITY YEAR PROGRAMME

I am very pleased to announce that the City Year Programme has commenced once again. Eleven service leaders will be in our school until October, assisting during school hours and beyond. We look forward to what I am certain will be a wonderful contribution made by them to our school. This is a new group of young people who are committed to making a difference and will, I am sure, give of their very best. They will establish an After School Programme (ASP) the details of which will be given to you in due course. Learners from grade 4 to grade 7 are all welcome in the ASP. Extra-mural activities will be implemented and children will receive assistance with homework. I sincerely hope that as many children as possible will take advantage of this opportunity. Please note that transport arrangements are your responsibility as a parent – your child must remain at school until 4pm on the days that the programme will run, should he / she become a “City Year” ASP learner. You will soon be informed of the exact days upon which the ASP will run. The service leaders will be working in certain Foundation Phase classes during the school morning as well. We welcome our new team – John Mitchell is one of the few schools in the province privileged to host City Year.

5.      GRADE 1 PARENTS’ AFTERNOON

A final reminder to the parents of our grade 1 learners that there is a special afternoon planned for you on Saturday 17 April, beginning at 2 o’clock. Thank you to the teachers who put a lot of hard work and effort into planning this meeting. It has always proved to be a worthwhile, informative and enjoyable afternoon.

 6.      PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

All public schools will be closed on 26 April and 27 April. Enjoy the long weekend! 

7.      WINTER UNIFORM

Please take note of the regulations pertaining to our winter uniform as laid down in the homework diary. Please do not send children to school in brightly coloured casual jackets etc. Our uniform is blue and our policy regarding uniform is in place. Kindly adhere to the regulations and encourage your child to wear the uniform neatly and with a sense of pride.

            8.      SCHOOL FEES

Thank you to all who are up to date with payments. To those who are behind, please make every effort to catch up and avoid the issue of debt collectors at the end of the year. By doing so, you will spare the school the cost of the debt collector’s fees. In anticipation of your support – thank you.

 
In conclusion I wish one and all a happy, rewarding term 2!

R. Rotteveel
  Principal

Newsletter 3/2010
10 March 2010 

Dear Parents 

The term is rapidly drawing to a close! Below are just a few notices:

            1.    Staff news

It gives me pleasure to wish Miss Ireland, our school counsellor, and her future husband, all the very best as they get married on Saturday 13 March. Our best wishes also go to Miss Anderson, one of our secretaries, who leaves at the end of the term on maternity leave. Mrs. Botha resigned from our school at the end of February. I am very pleased to announce that a Mrs. C. Maraschin will take up the position of LSEN Class Educator from the beginning of the second term.

2.    End of term arrangements and civvies’ day

School closes for the holidays on Friday 26 March 2010 at 11am. Children who would like to wear civvies to school on this day may do so by paying R5,00 each. The money collected will go towards fundraising for our school. (We are going to be doing improvements to the school gardens). 

3.    On-Cue Theatre Production

On Wednesday 24 March a theatre company will be entertaining our school with a play related to English Literature. All children are to attend this as it is during the school morning. The cost per child is R8,00 and this must be paid to the class teachers as soon as possible. Only those who have paid will attend the show. We have to charge this small amount in order to cover the costs the production company charges us. 

4.    Parents’ Evening and Term 1 Reports

On Thursday 22^nd April our parents’ evening will take place, beginning at 5 o’clock. There will be a general meeting for all parents in the hall at 7pm lasting half an hour. Reports for all grade 4, 5, 6 and 7 learners will be given out on this evening. We request that all parents make use of this opportunity of meeting your child’s teachers and finding out about their progress. The grade 1, 2, 3 and LSEN learners will receive their reports on the 25^th March. However, parents of these children should also attend the parents’ evening on the 22 April please. 

5.    School fees and exemptions

Please keep school fees up to date. Thank you to those who do this! The date for handing in application forms for school fee exemptions is past and therefore no more requests for exemptions will be accepted. The Finance Committee is currently going through all exemption requests that were handed in. Please understand that it is not an automatic response that if one hands in an application that one will indeed get or qualify for the exemption. Every individual application is being considered, all affidavits are being verified to ascertain authentic need amongst our learners and the information submitted on the applications is being checked. This takes time to do. A letter will be sent to all applicants in due course regarding the outcome of their applications. In the interim, please keep payments up to date. 

6.    Stationery requirements

Please ensure that your children come to school properly equipped to work. Each individual should have the necessary pens, pencils, glue, etc. It is not at all fair for children to borrow from others as this incurs costs for the parents of those other children. Furthermore, your child gets behind if he / she does not have all that is needed to keep pace as the work is being done. All items should be labelled with the child’s name. This applies to items of clothing too. 

7.    Philosophy Club

Miss Govinden is starting a new initiative! A Philosophy Club for grade 4 and 5 pupils on Tuesdays and for grade 6 and 7 pupils on Thursdays. Pupils will learn the skills of thinking through philosophy – an excellent life skill. This will begin on Thursday 11 March for grade 6 and 7’s. It will run from 13H45 to 14H45. Please ensure that you make the necessary transport arrangements. Please note that if any child misbehaves or causes any problem at the Philosophy Club, he / she will be dismissed immediately and will not be allowed to return. 

8.    Grade R Classroom

I am very pleased to announce that the Grade R classroom being erected in an area on the middle level field will soon be completed! It has taken the government the entire term to do this but it is almost done! We plan that the Grade R Area will have lovely grass and all suitable equipment for Grade R learners. The Grade R’s have not had an easy time being on the hall stage this term and we thank their teacher, Mrs. Mola, the children and the parents, for the patience and understanding shown during this time. It will ultimately be worth the wait! 

9.    School Toilets

I am utterly disappointed in the behaviour of many of the children, boys in particular, when it comes to toilet and hygiene habits and standards. On a DAILY basis we have to contend with matters such as the following: Children urinating on the tiled floors instead of in the toilets or urinals; clogging the toilets with papers, even food!! Turning taps on and leaving them running. Breaking the basins and pipes wherever possible. Standing on toilets to look over the cubicle wall at someone in the next toilet. Jamming entire toilet rolls into the toilet bowls. Not washing their hands after using the toilet. Playing in the cloakrooms. Turning over the refuse bins placed in the toilets (specifically in the girls’ toilets). The list is endless! Where do the children pick up such ideas and habits? Here at school we teach them manners and proper behaviour in the cloakrooms and yet these problems persist. The toilets then get to smell extremely unpleasant, especially when there is urine soaking into the tiles on the floors. It is costing the school – out of our school funds! – SO MUCH EXTRA MONEY in chemicals etc. The final crunch came this week when we spent even more money on special disinfectant Deo-Blocks which were put into the urinals in all the boys’ toilets for disinfecting purposes as well as to improve the odour in the toilets. And guess what? This morning EVERY SINGLE block has been stolen out of the urinals! This is an untenable situation that cannot continue! I endure complaints about the state of the toilets on a regular basis, but it is your children causing the problems. Kindly ensure that you sit down and teach your children acceptable hygiene and cloakroom behaviour, just as we do here at school. Someone suggested that we employ people to guard the toilets. This would be the answer but the big question is who would pay such persons? Our school fees certainly cannot stretch to that. The situation is so, so serious – please play your part in helping us to eradicate this problem.
Thank you.

 Yours faithfully

Mr. R. Rotteveel
       Principal

Newsletter 2/2010
5 February 2010 

Dear Parents 

FINAL REMINDER: ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 

This serves as our final reminder to you of the AGM which will take place in the school hall at 13:00 tomorrow afternoon, the 6^th of February 2010. Please make every effort to attend as the topics as per agenda are of great relevance to all parents. I am pleased to inform you that we also have guest speakers this year from Girls’ and Boys’ Town who will address the issue of “Common Sense Parenting”. We can all learn from these highly skilled professionals who assist children and who present programmes to educators and parents on a regular basis. We are privileged to have them making time for us. Parental involvement, homework and general information regarding your child at school will be discussed. 

We look forward to your attendance at this very important information session. 

Yours faithfully 

J. Harmer (Mrs.)
Deputy Principal

NEWSLETTER 1 / 2010
21 January 2010

Dear Parents

1. Welcome

A very warm welcome back to school for the 2010 academic year. I hope that you have had a wonderful holiday season and that the New Year brings many blessings. 

2. Staff News

I welcome all staff members back to school and wish them a rewarding 2010. I make special mention of welcoming three new members of staff: Miss C. Janse Van Rensburg. Mr. M. Mahlangu  and Miss G. Nyota. I trust and hope that they will enjoy their teaching careers and have many happy and rewarding years here at John Mitchell. We have had very few changes to our staff and I am proud to say that a stable staff is the sign of a happy staff! We look forward to the year ahead and are well and truly prepared to maintain and improve upon the standards that are synonymous with our school. At this early stage, I commend my staff on their excellent work, their dedication and their commitment to getting our school up and running from the very first day of this school year. Thank you. 

3. School Hours

School begins promptly at 07:40 every morning for all grades. Please ensure that your child is on time for school. Late arrivals cause tremendous disruption. 

Please note: the school hours are as follows:

 Closing times are as follows:  Grade 4 to 7                 - Monday to Friday – 13:40

                                                     Grade 3                        - Monday and Tuesday – 13:40

                                                     Grade 3                        - Wednesday to Friday – 13H:10

                                                     Grade1, 2, Grade R and LSEN    - Monday to Wednesday –                                                                                                                       12:40

                                                     Grade 1,2, Grade R and LSEN    - Thursday and Friday – 13:10

Up until the 29^th January, the grade ones leave school at 12 midday. 

All foundation phase learners who have to wait at the end of each day for their older brothers and sisters (until the senior school day ends at 13:40) will wait under teacher supervision. Each grade has specific arrangements in place and your child is informed of these. All learners will be dismissed when the bell rings for the seniors at 13:40. Educators are not permitted to “baby sit” – they have a vast amount of work to do and do not offer aftercare facilities. After-school arrangements are parental responsibility. Children must be fetched when the bell rings, know to simply walk home or know where their transport waits for them. 

In the past we have experienced children being left at school until late at night and some even overnight! This is an unspeakable disgrace on the part of parents. Children should arrive home at a pre-arranged time and should this not happen, surely someone should realize they are missing? A rate of R100,00 per hour will be charged for children left here into the evening or overnight. This will be paid to our general assistants who end up feeding and caring for the child. 

4. School Fees

At the AGM Finance held towards the end of last year, the parent body present approved the amount of R3 600,00 per child as being fees for 2010. All parents agreed, by signing a resolution, that John Mitchell will be a fee-paying school. Please realize that if you applied for an exemption from paying fees, you are placing the burden of the costs of your child’s education on the shoulders of other parents. Strict criteria will be applied in considering your application. A 10% discount will be given on all school fees paid in full by the 31^st March 2010. Siblings (biological brothers and sisters only – not cousins or other relations) qualify for a discount as well. For a second child the amount is R3 300,00 per year and for a third and subsequent children it is R3000,00 per year. John Mitchell remains a school where fees are exceptionally low in comparison to all that is offered to your child. We appeal to all parents, PLEASE PAY SCHOOL FEES so that our services may be maintained. 

An URGENT request from the Governing Body is that all parents make every effort to keep school fee payments up to date in order that we avoid having to enlist the services of a debt collector later during the course of the year. Thank you to all who have paid in full to date – this ensures the efficient functioning of our school. 

5. Cell Phones

It is not advisable for children to bring cell phones to school. However, should this be absolutely necessary, I state emphatically that the school will not accept liability for the loss, damage or theft of a cell phone at all. It will remain the full responsibility of the child and no teachers will be expected to look after the phone during the course of the day. Furthermore, should your child take ill at school and then phone you from his/her cell phone in order for you to fetch him/her, he/she will not be allowed to leave the school. If a child becomes ill at school the class teacher or secretary will contact you and only in this case will the child be allowed to leave the premises. Cell phones will be confiscated if children abuse and play with them in class. 

6. Requests to leave school early

Should a child have to leave early a written, signed request has to be forwarded to the class teacher who will then submit this to the office. The parent’s contact numbers must be supplied in the letter. A child will ONLY be released into the care of a parent or legal guardian. Should someone else have to fetch your child that person’s details including ID number, will have to be written in your letter of request. The said person will have to produce his/her ID book before the child will be allowed to leave with him/her. The school may still phone you to confirm the person’s identity before the child will be allowed to leave. These measures are all in the interest of your child’s safety. Kindly comply with them. 

7. Transport

Transport to and from school is the parents’ responsibility. Make absolutely certain that you know the person responsible for transporting your child. Ensure that you have his/her details and that he/she has your details. We dealt with incidents in the past in which taxi drivers were hitting the children – please speak to your child and make certain he/she feels safe and secure with the driver. Also ensure that your child knows how to behave properly whilst being a passenger in a vehicle. There are times when the drivers have to deal with very poorly behaved children and this is unacceptable. 

8. Athletics

Our Inter-house athletics will take place during the school morning on Friday 22nd January. Should it rain, the event will be postponed to Monday 25^th January. Parents are welcome to attend. The event begins at 10am. Notification regarding the inter-school athletics will be sent once we have all details confirmed by the organizers.  

9. Annual General Meeting

This serves as notification that the AGM will take place on Saturday 6^th February 2010 at 13:00 in the hall. The agenda will follow closer to the time. 

10. Diaries

All children from grade 3 to 7 have received homework diaries. Please ensure that you read through the diary with your child. The school rules appear therein, your child’s merits and d-merits will be recorded in the diary, contact details need to be there as well, there is a place for letters from parents to be written etc. etc. The school diary is a VITAL part of your child’s schooling and NEEDS TO BE SIGNED EVERY DAY BY YOURSELF OR PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR CHILD once you are satisfied that your child has completed the work. It is a means of communication between the school and parents and must never be left at home. Should a diary be lost it must be replaced immediately. New diaries are available at the office at a cost of R20,00 per diary. 

       12. Communicable diseases

Please note that should your child have a communicable (contagious) illness e.g. measles, chicken pox, mumps or infestations that are contagious such as ringworm, he/she may not attend school until a doctor’s note or clinic report indicating that the child has been treated and is clear is presented to the class teacher. This is in the best interests of all our learners. Kindly abide by this departmental ruling. 

       13. Special request – children’s birthdays

            Very often parents send along cakes and various treats for their child’s class when it is the
            child’s birthday.

            This makes the birthday special and thus it is encouraged for those who wish to do this.
            However, we request  that no big cakes that require cutting are sent – only small cup cakes. It is
            very time consuming and difficult to cut a cake or even two into 40 slices – the average class
            size – and for this reason we request that individual cup cakes be sent instead. 

In closing I wish all associated with our school a wonderful, fulfilling year. 

Yours faithfully 

Mr. R. Rotteveel
     Principal

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